Cadillac Escalade owners have reported 239 problems related to electrical system (under the electrical system category). The most recently reported issues are listed below. Also please check out the statistics and reliability analysis of Cadillac Escalade based on all problems reported for the Escalade.
Unknown. Weather related - rain water incoming on floor board under steering column. Effecting electronics and vehicle driving safety. Vehicle has propulsion control issues as a cause.
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all problems of the 2023 Cadillac Escalade
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Purchased 2016 Cadillac Escalade in April 2022 - VIN [xxx] . License plate [xxx] . Car has had electrical shortage issues in the navigation screen ever since purchasing. The navigation screen flickers, switches between apps simultaneously and isn’t responsive to finger touch as advertised. I have taken the car to the dealership 4 times within the 90 day dealership warranty. Those dates were April 25, 2022; may 26, 2022; September 3, 2022; and September 24, 2022. However, the problem hasn’t been resolved. This has also caused the car ignition start up to start slowly. The battery has been checked and is fully charged and working properly. The ignition, alternator and transmission are all working properly in good condition. I believe the dealership sold me a “lemon” vehicle. The initial carfax report didn’t disclose any mechanical or electrical issues. I paid a $6000 downpayment and have paid $15,999. 98 so far. My monthly car payment is $999. 98. This car isn’t safe to drive and I am seeking a financial settlement of $20,000 and for the dealership to take back the car without a negative ding on my credit report and no voluntary repossession listed on my credit report. [xxx] my car completely shut down and no longer would start. I had a brand new battery installed a few days prior. Called aaa 4x’s and they couldn’t jump start my car. They tested the alternator, starter, and transmission and there were no failed sensors. I didn’t have any warning lights. I had my car towed to my mechanic and he verified nothing was wrong with transmission, starter and alternator. I noticed there was a strong burn smell and something popped underneath the car causing the car to no longer start or turn on. I ended having to voluntary surrender the car back to capital one auto finance (account [xxx] ) on Monday [xxx] because the car no longer is operable. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).
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all problems of the 2016 Cadillac Escalade
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Vehicle make: Cadillac vehicle model: Escalade model year: 2022 component(s) affected: engine, fuel system, powertrain, vehicle stability control incident date: [insert date of incident] mileage at time of incident: [insert approximate mileage] summary of complaint: while driving my 2022 Cadillac Escalade at approximately 70 mph on the highway, the vehicle suddenly lost all power and stability. This was due to an injector breaking off inside the engine, sending metal fragments into the camshaft, which subsequently locked the motor. This created an extremely dangerous situation as the vehicle became unresponsive and unstable at high speed. Just two days prior to this incident, the vehicle had been serviced by quantrell Cadillac in lexington, ky, where a recall repair involving the engine was performed. Despite that service, a catastrophic failure occurred almost immediately afterward. After the breakdown, quantrell Cadillac attempted repairs over the course of three weeks. These repairs included replacing the injectors, camshaft, and other components, before eventually replacing the entire long block. However, upon picking up the vehicle, it is exhibiting the exact same failure symptoms again—making a popping noise, stalling the engine, and becoming unsafe to operate. This vehicle is clearly not safe to drive and poses a serious risk to myself, my passengers, and others on the road. There have already been multiple recalls related to this issue, indicating a broader systemic problem. We are requesting the NHTSA’s immediate assistance to investigate this safety issue and help us obtain a replacement vehicle that meets all applicable federal safety standards. This level of repeated engine failure & instability is completely unacceptable for any vehicle—especially one with such recent manufacturer service and recall repairs. When this stall occurs, the entire computer system & all safety features are shut down and collision avoidance is also disabled. Have viideo.
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all problems of the 2022 Cadillac Escalade
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So I bought this Cadillac Escalade v 2023 with about 26k miles on it and I only had the vehicle for about 13 days and I got a light on my dash board and I had a mechanic check this for me and he told me that the whole entire break system was failing and needed to be replaced so I then took it back to the dealership I bought it from and they told me they had no idea since it was a certified pre owned and we where all confused about this situation and I was very unhappy that I paid 128k $ for a car and the dealer told me they could fix the issue or take the offer of 105k$ he offered me and of course because I did not want to have this problem I got rid of this vehicle as quick as possible I did not notice anything wrong with the car physically but I had that check engine light on with 13 days of owning.
Vehicle caught fire in seatbelt harness.
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all problems of the 2018 Cadillac Escalade
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While I was driving the car turned off and the steering wheel got really hard, making it harder to get out of the road to keep my children safe since we were in the highway. Second time it happened the stabilitrack service message came up, and also the steering assist is reduced please drive with care. The ebrake. Abs and stabilitrack light on the dash turned on. This started happening on may 14 until present.
Entire information cluster has lost power vehicle halts to a stop in mid driving breaking response is sometimes hard sometimes very loose intermittent warning lights.
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all problems of the 2007 Cadillac Escalade
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Engine noise loud knocking feels like engine is going to stall, had in service 6-9-25 for 3 days technician heard noise stated could be related to recall but no fix available at this time electrical glitch radio navigation shuts off during while driving screen dash goes dark.
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all problems of the 2021 Cadillac Escalade
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I am reporting persistent safety issues with my 2022 Cadillac Escalade esv, with ~87k miles. Despite a completed recall for an engine seizure, the vehicle continues to fail dangerously, eroding confidence in its safety and reliability. Early in ownership, the computer and dashboard were replaced due to malfunction. Later, the engine seized while driving at 70 mph on a highway, a recall-related issue requiring a three-month repair. The vehicle has spent significant time in the shop, impacting usability. On may 20, 2025, my wife experienced a sudden shutdown at a busy intersection while merging onto a high-speed road. The vehicle lost power without warning, stranding her in a hazardous position. She exited to direct traffic, risking a collision. After ~5 minutes, she restarted it, and the system prompted her to reset the front windows’ limits, suggesting a computer issue. This post-recall failure indicates unresolved defects. These incidents—computer replacement, engine seizure, and shutdown—show a pattern of unreliability. With 87,000 miles, lemon law eligibility may be limited, but gm should have offered a buyback earlier given the history. These failures pose serious safety risks. I urge NHTSA to investigate potential defects in the 2022 Escalade esv’s engine and electronics. I also seek guidance on whether gm should repurchase this vehicle to ensure safety. Please confirm receipt and advise on next steps. I can provide service records.
We were driving on the freeway when all of a sudden the vehicle went into neutral, shut off and started slowing down. We were in the middle lane and our 3 children and grandparents were also in the car. This was incredibly dangerous and thankfully slowly we got to the right shoulder and the vehicle no longer turned on. We had to contact aaa and we took it to the dealership where we dropped it off. A few weeks ago I had called the dealership to ask about the repairs for the engine recall and they said they didn’t have anything solutions for that recall. Now dealer is stating it is still under warranty yet they haven’t been able to provide a vehicle large enough to accommodate our family. Nonetheless, they are stating that it might be over two weeks before they can get a new engine and then install it.
The contact owns a 2016 Cadillac Escalade. The contact stated while coming to a stop to park the vehicle, the vehicle turned off and restarted continuously, and the steering wheel straightened unintendedly. The contact stated that on several occasions, the vehicle failed to restart after being turned off. The contact had to disconnect and reconnect the battery cables to start the vehicle. The contact stated that the message "service stabili-trak" was temporarily displayed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic; however, the failure could not be duplicated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 143,000.
On 5/15/25 at approx. 11am the vehicle was seen with smoke rolling out of the doors and windows, which were all closed. The vehicle had been parked since approx. 8am that day. Once the fd had the fire knocked down, they found that a seat belt retractor module, replaced in 1/2025, was most likely the cause for the fire and damage. The locking mechinisms were metled and unable to open either the driver door (where the fire had occured) or the front passenger door. The fd was only able to gain initial access to the vehicle by breaking out the driver window and the back passenger window. There were no warning signs of this happening. The vehicle is currently sitting with an auto body shop for an estimate of damage. Had the driver been in the seat they could have received severe burns, smoke inhalation or worse with the doors unable to open.
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all problems of the 2017 Cadillac Escalade
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When I’m trying to park my car shuts off and turns back on, steering wheel stops working, service stabilitrak turn on and goes away, sometimes my car won’t turn on and have to disconnect the battery and connect it for it to turn on again.
Coffee was spilled on center console while transferring cup from starbucks employee to cup holder. Cup was overfilled and lid wasn’t on properly. Immediately the dash panel started flashing and the service transmission light came on. Drove around a parking lot for a few minutes and seemed okay to drive even with the instrument panel flashing. Had 90 mile drive and during drive message similar to slow down for gear shift popped up and “service shifter see owner’s manual” came up. When I went to exit freeway and was around 5 mph the vehicle slammed to a stop. Then would not go into any other gear. As I called for tow driver I turned vehicle back on and was sitting when the vehicle started moving again without my control. I then drove it an additional 20 miles home staying above 20 mph. Insane Cadillac would design a $120k vehicle with that risk in a very susceptible to spills area. Incredibly unsafe. Beyond traumatizing experience with a vehicle that has leas than 8500 miles on it.
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all problems of the 2024 Cadillac Escalade
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The stabilitrak/oxygen sensor harness was ripped off by the driveshaft. Ive heard this is common on the 2007+ Escalade.
The engine just stopped working mid traffics shifted to neutral automatically- almost causing a serious accident on a busy interstate . Brought to the mechanic, readings stated misfiring cylinders as engine seized and slipped. Tried fixing issue for $8300. 00. Then after trying to fix it with no luck, cylinder 5 and seven were stuck and could not be repaired. Cost of labor to out engine back together was $4600. 00 plus $400 to tow it to a dealer. Not only life threatening but also wallet draining with no warning. Will never buy a Cadillac again. This is a serious threat for those driving in it and for those who come across it when something happens.
Hi at April 28 around 10. 30 pm I was driving longisland highway city to hamton’ before exit 70 my engine stopped suddenly I was on the left line trafic coming behind me I barely controlled my car pull over very hardly right side and called police I have recorded 911 officer help me to tow my car it was dar and not safe area now car at the dealership smithtown king of Cadillac dealership.
The contact owns a 2025 Cadillac Escalade esv. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the contact heard a ticking sound coming from the engine compartment. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the headlights were inoperable. The contact stated that the headlights failed to function properly and turn on. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 5,200.
My [xxx] was sleeping in the parked car. My wife was also in the car with her. Engine and ac were on. The key was inside. Doors and trunk were unlocked. I got outside the car and got my older kid. The doors opened as usual. Then my wife stepped outside the car to get something from the trunk, and she closed her door as well to avoid heat coming in. The vehicle immediately auto locked the doors with the key inside it. So my little one got locked inside. The doors or the trunk did not open again. There was no cell reception, so no way to get roadside help or call 911. The car was parked under direct sun in hot weather. It then shut off the engine (and ac) as well. To avoid heat stroke, we broke into the car to save the child. Obviously damaged the vehicle in the process. The problem of doors/trunk locking with the key inside happened a second time the next day. This time engine was off. I was already inside. My door was open. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? locks, remote how was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? risk of child death from heat stroke has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? not yet taken to a dealer has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? no were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? none information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).
I was driving to work at 45 miles/hour and the car's engine cut out. My life was at risk because the car cut out without warning while I was driving. When the car stopped working, I called the dealership, and they came to take the car away. The car didn't give any warning or display any warning messages beforehand. The car has been at the dealership for a month and they still haven't repaired it.
Twice in the last 6 months the vehicle doors have locked at random while the key was inside the vehicle. Both times, my children were trapped in the vehicle exposed to potential heat issues. Fortunately, in both cases the doors were able to be opened through another door that was still open one time and by hitting the unlock button through a slightly rolled down window. Breaking the glass was the next option. This is a serious safety defect that is putting young children and pets at risk for heat injury or death. There are no indications as to why this started, no warnings displayed, and seems to occur at random. Disabling autolock features does not resolve the issue meaning some glitch or equipment failure is causing the doors to lock despite all autolock features turned off.
Battery terminals going from battery to power distribution panel on top of battery, crimps bad/corroded causing intermittent connection and overcharging the battery by providing false voltages to alternator,.
Our 2021 Cadillac Escalade has experienced multiple ongoing issues. The “driver airbag warning” light has been a major concern, with the dealership stating that the airbag could malfunction at any moment. When we took the vehicle in for repairs, they determined that a previous maintenance job on the driver’s airbag was done incorrectly, which was causing the warning light to activate. Additionally, the vehicle intermittently displays warnings for the “service system restraint system,” “service power steering column,” “reducing features to save battery,” and “service driver assist system. ” despite multiple visits to the dealership, we are consistently told that their diagnostic computers do not populate any error codes, leaving them uncertain about the cause of these warnings. Another major issue is battery drainage. We replaced the original battery two years ago, yet we have needed Cadillac roadside assistance twice because the vehicle wouldn’t start. Each time, the battery tested as healthy, but the car remained inoperable due to a drained battery. Lastly, we have had to replace the remote key batteries every 2-3 months, which seems excessive for a relatively new vehicle. Safety risks: the driver airbag warning light indicates that the airbag could malfunction at any moment, which poses a serious safety risk in the event of an accident. The service system restraint system warning suggests potential failure in critical safety components. Issues with the service power steering column could lead to steering difficulties while driving, increasing the risk of an accident. The reducing features to save battery warning and service driver assist system warning suggest possible electrical failures that could impact vehicle performance and safety. The other issues, including system warnings and battery drainage, have been repeatedly reported to the dealership, but they have been unable to confirm the cause as their diagnostic system does not register error codes.
Traveling at high speed on major 5 lane highway. The engine shut off vehicle lost power went to neutral on shifter on it’s on would not shift . There was no warning no lights nothing that would have indicated a problem at all. Luckily my husband was able to get over 3 lanes and pull on shoulder which was very difficult and extremely dangerous in traffic. The vehicle would not start back up . There were 3 children and 2 adults in the vehicle at the time it was traveling 70mph and completely shut off we were almost struck by vehicles traveling at 70mph plus when trying to get vehicle to shoulder if we were unable to get this vehicle to shoulder this would have caused a multi vehicle pile up on major highway . We would have lost our lives and possibly others in other vehicles as well. Cadialic roadside assistance is picking up this vehicle and taking it to there closest dealership. This vehicle currently has 19,000 miles.
Truck goes into limp mode, reduced power, stuck in second gear, stabilitrak and engine lights. Took it to the Cadillac dealership and after 3100 dollars in repairs the truck is still doing it. If the high level techs can’t figure it out after 2000 in labor it’s should be a recall item.
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all problems of the 2008 Cadillac Escalade
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I have a 6 month old Escalade with approximately 7,000 miles. On Wednesday, 01/08/2025, I was driving on a highway with my son, going approximately 65 mph when my car display suddenly alerted "going into neutral". I had moments to get to the shoulder before my car stopped. I then turned my car off and attempted to restart it. The engine would not turn on and I could not get the car out of park (not even into neutral). Following an over 4 hour wait to be towed to the nearest Cadillac dealership, when my husband described what had happened, the mechanic asked "how many miles are on it?" when my husband informed him "about 7,000", the mechanic then replied "yeah, that sounds about right. " to me, this infers that Cadillac is aware of this incredibly dangerous problem and has not recalled vehicles to address this. The car has been at the dealership for 4 days now and no diagnostics have been run at this time to see what the issue is. We have called Cadillac directly and there does not seem to be any concern about what happened to me. I honestly am traumatized at the thought of what could have happened to my son and myself had I not acted so quickly. I do not want this to happen to anyone else. I am so thankful that I was able to get to the shoulder before my car shut off completely but I easily could have been slammed into many times, as the highway I was driving on frequently has cars traveling 70 to 80 mph. Cadillac must be held accountable for the safety of their drivers, customers and families.
I don’t know all I stopped driving it because it is not shifting right and I can’t ark it for some reason . I have to leave it in reverse and then turn off and put rocks so it does not move. Not safe, one day I drive 30 minutes later it is this way.
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all problems of the 2004 Cadillac Escalade
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I have 2017 Escalade esv, that has exactly same issue that the "global safety field investigations dcs5461" describes, such as, transmission oil temperature sensor malfunction, rough and loud shifts, hesitated acceleration. There were a numerous event that hesitation (not catching the gear) almost caused accidents. Check engine was on and it is at dealership at the date of 15th. (it did not ended up with an accident. Just scared because I drive this vehicle with my 3 young kids. ) my car may, may not have engine and trans built in the 2016, I was wondering if there are vehicles out there that has same problems, that are also similar year, maybe it could be more potential safety concerns on the road. This dcs5461 investigation also noted as "urgent - distribute immediately" so making sure getting all affected vehicle correctly may save some lives. This is my first concern reporting here. If it is a wrong place, please forgive me and kindly let me know where this issue should be addressed at. The link is below. [xxx] I look forward to hearing back from you soon. Thank you for your hard work to make american road safer every day! best, [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).
While my wife was driving on the pennsylvania turnpike, her vehicle suddenly shut off without warning. Since there was no shoulder, she had to coast to find a safe place to pull over. All the dashboard lights came on, indicating what appeared to be an electrical issue. She attempted to restart the vehicle several times, but only received a message stating, “battery low, needs charge. ” she contacted onstar, expecting prompt assistance, but the experience was far from what’s advertised. She waited a total of 45 minutes just to speak with someone, only to be transferred to another representative. Despite having paid for onstar services when we purchased the vehicle, they refused to cover the towing charges because she was on a private highway, forcing her to pay out of pocket for a service we had already purchased. During this time, it was extremely cold and windy. My 5-year-old daughter and wife waited about an hour and a half for the tow truck to arrive, and then an additional two hours while the driver secured the vehicle onto the flatbed. Since the car was completely dead, they had no heat the entire time. When they stepped out of the car so the tow truck driver could load it, they discovered they couldn’t get back inside—the doors wouldn’t open due to the lack of power. This entire ordeal was not only frustrating but incredibly unsafe for them. Having the vehicle shut down without warning on a busy highway, especially with our young child in the car, was terrifying for them. After our vehicle was at the dealership for a week, we were informed that the engine needs to be replaced. We were shocked to learn that this is a common issue with gm’s 6. 2 engines. To make matters worse, there is no estimated timeframe for the repair because the engine is on backorder. For reference, the truck only has 24,000 miles on it and has been exclusively serviced by authorized Cadillac dealers. This experience has been both disappointing and deeply concerning.
Unknown. The car decelerated on the freeway from 80 mph by automatically going into n. Once we managed to pull over to the shoulder, the car would not turn on again or shift gears. The dealership thinks it's an engine failure and they have multiple Escalades in the shop for the same issue.
My wife was driving down the road late at night and the engine turned off and all the lights inside the car (dash lights, etc) and outside the car turned off. . . It was super scary. No warning lights came on before this happened. . . There was no warning given by the car that something was wrong. Got the car to the dealership and the dealer diagnosed it with a blown engine. This failure could have caused death or injury if there were other cars/people around.
1) the car suddenly brakes as to avoid a collision when there are no cars in the proximity of the vehicle (think about driving on an open road on a sunny day and the vehicle suddenly brakes without warning). 2) we have received notice of low oil shortly after oil changes which have been performed at the dealership. It has been communicated to us by the dealership that it is common for these vehicles to burn approximately four (4) quarts of oil over the course of 2,500 – 3,000 miles leaving approximately two (2) quarts of oil remaining. Required tow to the dealership. 3) we have received rear axle warning messages and heard beeping noises alerting of such on at least thirty (30) occasions. The dealer has not been able to diagnose what the issue is and says that the computer is not storing any codes. They have not attempted any repair after being taken in for service on three (3) separate occasions. 4) in the past few days, the vehicle has thrown many error codes on the dashboard display including the rear axle service, service transmission unable to shift, service driver assist system. 5) on Tuesday, October 15th, 2024 the vehicle again began throwing error codes. The engine failed to start and was towed to the dealer via gm roadside. Required tow to the dealership. 6) a fuel pump part required replacement as fuel was not properly being delivered to the engine. Required tow to the dealership. Safey is at risk. We have three (3) children who regularly ride in the vehicle with us along with the safety of others on the road (especially sudden braking).
The contact owns a 2023 Cadillac Escalade. The contact stated that the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The contact stated that there were several unknown codes and unknown electrical issues displayed. The vehicle was taken to an unknown local dealer approximately eight or nine times. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer informed the contact that the vehicle was a lemon. The manufacturer was contacted regarding a buyback, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 19,000.
1. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? •the primary issue was with the vehicle’s software system, which was incompletely updated on 9/13/24. This has caused the safety features to malfunction. Additionally, the parking emergency brake engaged suddenly while I was driving. The vehicle is currently available for inspection upon request, as I have already reported the issue and requested immediate attention from the dealership. 2. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? my safety,, was severely put at risk when the parking emergency brake suddenly engaged while I was driving. This sudden braking caused me to sustain a strained neck and strained back. I was fortunate to avoid a more serious accident, but this malfunction was extremely dangerous. Additionally, the faulty safety features and the repeated and incorrect engagement of the onstar emergency system have caused further distress and distractions while driving. 3. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? •as of now, the problem has not been reproduced or confirmed by the dealer. I have scheduled an appointment for inspection on 10/2, and I have made the dealership aware of the issues through my communication. 4. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives, or others? •the vehicle or component has not yet been inspected by the manufacturer, police, or insurance representatives. I have only reported the issue to the dealership so far and requested an immediate inspection and resolution. 5. Were there any warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? •yes, there were symptoms prior to the emergency brake incident. After the incomplete software update on 9/13/24 the vehicle’s safety features began malfunctioning.
On July 28th 2024 my wife backed the vehicle out of the garage and the vehicle locked out the steering wheel. The cluster and gauges went completely out. The vehicle did not start or turn on after that point. It was no longer drivable as we could no longer start the vehicle. The vehicle had to be towed to penske Cadillac of torrance where it took them a week to diagnose the vehicle. The vehicle fuse box went out which locked out the steering wheel if my wife would of been driving the vehicle she would of been involved in a major accident. The problem was confirmed by the dealer a new fuse box was installed. I have the fuse box here as I requested it to follow up with the NHTSA. There was no warning that the vehicle had any malfuncitons. All electircal componenets and steering went out suddenly and abruplty.
Problem Category | Number of Problems |
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Electrical System problems | |
Instrument Panel problems | |
Wiring problems | |
Battery problems | |
Ignition Switch problems | |
Car Will Not Start problems | |
Horn Assembly problems | |
Alternator/generator/regulator problems | |
Ignition Module problems | |
Ignition problems |